51�Թ�

Recently, scientists have found a new method with great potential to synthesize various complex aromatic compounds by selectively adding molecules on aryne intermediates.

Thus far, a good portion of technologically relevant π-stacking system has been limited to aromatic compounds, which have inherent π-electron clouds.

And lignin is the only renewable source of aromatic compounds, which are chemically similar to molecules found in conventional jet fuel and can be used as "drop-in" fuel by airlines.

By deleting or adding selected genes, they engineered strains that produced zeaxanthin as well as other valuable carotenoids -- beta-carotene, lycopene and astaxanthin -- when grown on an aromatic compound commonly found in lignin.

She learned the nitty-gritty of winemaking — sugars, acids, phenolic compounds, aromatic compounds.